Bring virtual worlds to life in industries that include education, health care, science, research, employee training and, of course, gaming!

Game Development

Game Development Degree

A major in the Computer Graphics Technology Program
in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology

Whether you want to contribute to blockbuster AAA titles, study virtual reality, or use gaming to help with medical therapies, Purdue University’s game development and design major has a place for you. Purdue has been a leader in preparing students for careers in the games and animation industries. Alumni have worked for EA Games, Riot Games, and more.

Because our professors are interested in new ideas and uses for computer games, they will help you stretch your imagination throughout the program. You will take classes in video game design and development, animation, visualization, rendering and programming.

At Purdue, a gaming degree provides the STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) that’s in demand today. Your studies will include trigonometry, calculus, and physics. And because employers also desire graduates who are well rounded, our game studies program also includes courses in economics, psychology, and English.

The final result? You will be a career-ready graduate who knows how to prototype games and game systems and who can consider their impact on society.

Research projects open to undergraduate students have focused on the use of games for sustainable energy, therapy and medicine, entertainment, information visualization and more. See examples at www.gamesinnovation.org.

Special features

What can I do?

Technical artist
Game Design Scripter
Cinematic Lead
Animation/Performance Tracker

Where can I go?

Zynga
Volition Inc.
Riot Games
Electronic Arts

The Computer Graphics Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

The Computer Graphics Technology program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

James Cameron’s Avatar blew me away as a child and I’ve been a fan of computer graphics in games and film ever since. My favorite thing about my major is that I am able to embrace my wild ideas and let my creativity flow while I still can challenge myself.
Erin Cook
Animation & Game Development and Design
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About the school/department

The Department of Computer Graphics Technology touches all aspects of computer graphics, from animation to scientific visualization, and from user experience to game studies. Research projects on these topics push the boundaries of how the medium can be used, while the variety of degree options prepares students to be practitioners and managers in an array of computer graphics-related careers.

Additional Information

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Talk to an Advisor

Prospective students

Prospective students can reach out to CGTAdvising@purdue.edu to request an appointment to speak with a Department of Computer Graphics Technology advisor or student services professional.

Current students

Current students can schedule an appointment to meet with academic advisors in person or virtually via BoilerConnect.

Learn more about advising

Related Degrees

Continuing Education